January 2019

January 2019

As this is written fly fishing seems a distant memory or a far-off future endeavor. This past year was a weird weather year to be sure. Just about every time the creeks got near to normal it would rain and the streams became not only high but downright dangerous. A lot of trout were spared because the high water prevented anglers from getting to them.

Now is a good time to take stock of what your tackle looks like. Look at your rods. Do guides or handles need replaced? If so bring them into the shop. We can put you in touch with some expert repair people in case you don’t want to take on the job yourself. Clean your reels. Strip off all the line, disassemble the reel and cleanout all the crud that has built up in there over the past few years. If the line is worn or cracked it needs to be replaced. At the shop we have Precision and Cortland fly lines at price that is hard to beat.

Next comes the vest – pack – jacket – or whatever you carry your fishing gear in. Empty it out and look at its contents. What is that grey thing in the plastic bag? Check out your leader spools, shot containers, fly floatant and other consumable supplies. Replenish as necessary.

Then there are fly boxes. Sort them and discard the beat up, used up flies as necessary. Make of list of what you need. If you are a tyer, it is time to get busy. This may necessitate sorting your fly tying material and again making a list of what you need. If you are not a tyer you are faced with purchasing them. Either way, we here at Precision can help you out. We have all of the material, hooks, and tools you need to tie your own or we have unbeatable prices on flies.

Did your waders leak last fall? There are no such things as self-sealing waders. If you didn’t patch them, they still leak. Come down to the store and see our selection of Hodgeman waders and jackets. You will be impressed by the quality you can buy for the price.

If you must go fishing, there is no need to get up at the crack of dawn and be the first one on the water. Wait until the sun gets up around ten. The radiant heat can start the bugs and the fish moving even on the coldest days. Chances are good that you will be the only one or at most one of a few on the stream. Let somebody know where you are going and when you will be back. In just about any stream in the Cumberland Valley deep and slow is the way to fish. Tiny midges, black stonefly nymphs, and streamers will all take trout, but it will take patience. Above all in this cold weather be careful out there.

Big Spring

Prince Nymph 14 – 18

Letort

Shenk’s White Minnow 4 – 10

Yellow Breeches

Shenk’s Sculpin 4 – 8

Mountain Creek

Stone Fly Nymphs 12 – 16

Falling Spring

Pheasant Tail nymphs 14 – 20

Susquehanna River

Articulated Streamers

Midges (various colors) 18 – 24

Mop Flies 10 – 16

San Juan Worms 12 – 14

Glo Bugs 12 – 14

Note – Any of the flies listed will work in any of the waters. Fish deep and slow.

Northcentral Pa Stream Reports
Report 2019

As this is written the still water in the region is just locking up and hardwater anglers are beginning to pull their sleds onto the ice. If the weather moderates and we get a few warm days it is possible to get on the water with the long rod. Do some scouting. Now with the leaves off the trees you can see some water that might otherwise be hidden from view as you drive by in the summer.

Things can be slick and dangerous out there so if possible, travel with a buddy, or at least let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Of course, traveling the roads this time of year requires some extra caution. Make sure you have a shovel, tow chain and the necessary things you need to get you vehicle out of a ditch. Remember this isn’t Cumberland County and other cars going by might be few and far between. If nothing else, make sure you have a dependable method for igniting a fire. You may need one if your car decides to sink down into that mush of a berm.

Water levels in the Big 4 (Driftwood Branch, First Fork, Kettle Creek, and Pine Creek) are holding up well. There are still a lot of fish to be found. Fishing at mid-day is usually most productive. A stream thermometer is a good thing to have as you explore for fish. It won’t hurt to have an air thermometer along as well. Warmer usually means more productive. Take along some lip balm or Loon’s Stanley’s Ice Off Paste for your rod guides. It will keep your line from freezing in the guides. (Hint- it can help you get a fire started in an extreme emergency).

Driftwood Branch

Wooly Buggers 4 – 12

First Fork

Glo Bugs 10 – 14

Kettle Creek

Mop Flies 10 – 16

Pine Creek

San Juan Worms 10 – 14

Big Streamers 1/0 – 2

Stone Fly Nymphs 8 – 14

Note – Any of the flies listed will work in any of the waters. Fish deep and slow.